Open source 3D printers: an appropriate technology for building low cost optics labs for the developing communities

Gwamuri, Jephias; Pearce, Joshua M.

doi:10.1117/12.2269852

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…that will benefit from such a system include optics researchers at universities as well as K-12 teachers and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) outreach professionals who are typically in favor of building their own research equipment due to lower costs and easy troubleshooting due to a high degree of familiarity with apparatus. This study is also expected to have a greater impact in developing nations where the need to reduce costs while maintaining adequate technical performance is more significant than in well-funded laboratories [112].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system for optoelectronic measurements

et al. 2018

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Simple 3-D printable open source hardware designs have proven to be effective scientific instruments at low costs. Further development in this area is coupling open source electronics with 3-D printable mechanical components to make fully functional distributedly-manufactured mechatronic tools for science. One research area where such low-cost technology is needed is to characterize thin film anti-reflective coatings and transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) for the glass, mirror and solar photovoltaic industry whose transmission properties are angle dependent. To meet this research need a low-cost 3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system is presented in this study. An Arduino based microcontroller is used to move the sample holder to the user specified angle where two stepper motors control the motion providing two degrees of freedom. The sample holder is made in such a way that samples can easily be mounted on it by two movable latches. The system was validated and characterized for: i) unidirectional accuracy,

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system for optoelectronic measurements

et al. 2018

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“…Starting in 2009, with the expiration of patents surrounding Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) [ 13 ], a process that uses extruded thermoplastic polymers as feedstock, this fabrication method has seen a rapid expansion in adoption by home users [ 14 ], public facilities and small- and medium-sized businesses [ 15 ]. This rapid expansion was enabled by advances made in machine control technology together with the open-sourcing of mechanical, hardware and software designs [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. According to a yearly survey conducted by Sculpteo (Villejuif, France), in 2020, Material Extrusion (MEX/FDM) was the 3D-printing process with the most widespread usage among professionals from 71 different countries [ 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerated Aging Effect on Mechanical Properties of Common 3D-Printing Polymers

et al. 2021

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In outdoor environments, the action of the Sun through its ultraviolet radiation has a degrading effect on most materials, with polymers being among those affected. In the past few years, 3D printing has seen an increased usage in fabricating parts for functional applications, including parts destined for outdoor use. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-B on the mechanical properties of parts 3D printed from the commonly used polymers polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate–glycol (PETG). Samples 3D printed from these materials went through a dry 24 h UV-B exposure aging treatment and were then tested against a control group for changes in mechanical properties. Both the tensile and compressive strengths were determined, as well as changes in material creep characteristics. After irradiation, PLA and PETG parts saw significant decreases in both tensile strength (PLA: −5.3%; PETG: −36%) and compression strength (PLA: −6.3%; PETG: −38.3%). Part stiffness did not change significantly following the UV-B exposure and creep behavior was closely connected to the decrease in mechanical properties. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractographic analysis was carried out to better understand the failure mechanism and material structural changes in tensile loaded, accelerated aged parts.

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Optical elements from 3D printed polymers

Błachowicz

Ehrmann²,

Ehrmann

2021

E-Polymers

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3D printing belongs to the emerging technologies of our time. Describing diverse specific techniques, 3D printing enables rapid production of individual objects and creating shapes that would not be produced with other techniques. One of the drawbacks of typical 3D printing processes, however, is the layered structure of the created parts. This is especially problematic in the production of optical elements, which in most cases necessitate highly even surfaces. To meet this challenge, advanced 3D printing techniques as well as other sophisticated solutions can be applied. Here, we give an overview of 3D printed optical elements, such as lenses, mirrors, and waveguides, with a focus on freeform optics and other elements for which 3D printing is especially well suited.

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Open source 3D printers: an appropriate technology for building low cost optics labs for the developing communities

Cited by 3 publications

References 33 publications

3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system for optoelectronic measurements

3-D printable open source dual axis gimbal system for optoelectronic measurements

Accelerated Aging Effect on Mechanical Properties of Common 3D-Printing Polymers

Optical elements from 3D printed polymers

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